V. Supplement

Text I

1. Read the information about some pathological conditions of the ner­vous system. Be ready to answer the questions after the text.

NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes people to have recurring seizures¹. The seizures happen when clusters² of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain send out the wrong signals. People may have strange sensations and emotions or be­have strangely. They may have violent muscle spasms or lose consciousness. Epi­lepsy has many possible causes, including illness, brain injury and abnormal brain development. In many cases, the cause is unknown. Doctors use brain scans and other tests to diagnose epilepsy. It is important to start treatment right away. There is no cure for epilepsy, but medicines can control seizures for most people.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. The usual cause is a viral infec­tion, but bacteria can also cause it. Cases can range from mild to severe. For mild cases, you could have flu-like symptoms. Serious cases can cause severe headache, sudden fever, drowsiness³, vomiting, confusion, seizures. For mild cases, you may just need rest, plenty of fluids and a pain reliever. For severe cases, you might need to be hospitalized.

Dementia⁴ is a word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may be­come agitated or see things that are not there. Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia. However, memory loss by itself does not mean you have dementia. People with dementia have serious problems with two or more brain functions, such as memory and language. Many dif­ferent diseases can cause dementia, includ­ing Alzheimer's disease and stroke. Drugs are available to treat some of these diseases. While these drugs cannot cure dementia or repair brain damage, they may improve symptoms or slow down the disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. Dementia is a brain disorder that

seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. AD begins slowly. It first involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. People with AD may have trouble remembering things that happened recently or names of people they know. Over time, symptoms get worse. People may not re­cognize family members or have trouble speaking, reading or writing. They may forget how to brush their teeth or comb their hair. Later on, they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, they need total care. AD usually begins after age 60. The risk goes up as you get older. Your risk is also higher if a family member has had the disease. No treatment can stop the disease. However, some drugs may help keep symptoms from getting worse for a limited time.

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects nerve cells, or neurons, in a part of the brain that controls muscle movement. In Parkinson's, neurons that make a chemical called dopamine die or do not work properly. Dopamine normally sends signals that help coordinate your movements. No one knows what damages these cells. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease may include:

• Trembling of hands, amis, legs, jaw and face.

• Stiffness of the arms, legs and trunk.

• Slowness of movement.

• Poor balance and coordination.

As symptoms get worse, people with the disease may have trouble walking, talking or doing simple tasks. They may also have problems such as depression, sleep problems or trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking. Parkinson's usually begins around age 60, but it can start earlier. It is more common in men than in women. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. A variety of medicines sometimes help symptoms dramatically.